Recent statements from Irina Volk, a representative for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, indicate that the process for obtaining a residence permit in Russia for IT specialists has become easier. The briefing, reported by MVD Media, underscores steps aimed at reducing administrative hurdles for tech workers seeking long-term stay in Russia.
Volk outlined that employers who are accredited IT companies can attract skilled workers without needing prior clearance to hire or deploy foreign staff. This adjustment appears designed to streamline recruitment for tech firms and support the expansion of Russia’s digital economy by facilitating access to international talent.
Meanwhile, neighboring Kazakhstan has announced a separate policy development that could impact Russians seeking residence in the country. Beginning February 28, certain foreign nationals, including Russians, will be eligible for a ten-year residence permit. The policy details were published by the Kazakh Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
The ten-year permit is targeted at individuals in professions identified as scarce within Kazakhstan. Officials listed a total of 21 occupations, spanning medical specialties such as oncologists, neurosurgeons, hematologists, neonatologists, and endocrinologists; as well as engineering roles and IT-related fields like IT infrastructure architecture, among others.
Earlier updates indicated that Kazakhstan planned to require Russian citizens to possess passports to live in the country, a move described in reports from September of the previous year. The latest policy outlines provide a framework that could influence long-term settlement options for Russians in Kazakhstan, particularly for those whose professional qualifications align with the specified scarce occupations.
Experts note that these developments reflect broader regional trends in labor mobility, skilled migration, and the management of cross-border work. For IT professionals and engineers, the changes may translate into clearer pathways for residence, work authorization, and potential residency timelines. Authorities emphasize that eligibility hinges on alignment with listed occupations and compliance with official registration procedures, including standard immigration documentation and verification processes. Attribution: MVD Media, official government communications, and ministry announcements.